Draw a canon of beauty template on a photograph using a ruler and marker. This is the basic guideline for facial proportions. In real life, a person’s face is not exact, however, the outline will help organize features accordingly so the 3-D face model looks like the real person.
Knead wax. Restorative wax is hard. It is necessary to knead the wax with your hands for several minutes before beginning work. This process will need to be repeated as features are added to the 3-D model.
Roll out a baseball size ball of wax until ¼ inch thick. This will be the base of the entire model. Once rolled out, carefully drape over the facial portion of the plastic skull. Restorative wax is stiff. It should not rip or tear easily. Using your fingers, press wax into the nose, mouth and eye cavities.
Shape a 1/2-inch ball of wax into the nose. The outline on the photograph should help create the right proportions. Shape the nose onto the skull and then use the wax-cutting tool to remove wax and create nostrils where they should be. Use the smoothing tool to blend the nose into the facial wax for a smooth appearance.
Create eyes. Start by rolling two ½-inch balls of wax. Apply pressure with your palm to the top of the ball to flatten it. Roll the ball back and forth to help it shape into an oval that is flat on the bottom side. Roll the edges or corners of the eye into a point. Place eyes in eye sockets on face model. Flatten two equal-size flaps according to the proportion of the model to create eyelids. Use the smoothing tool to create a crease around the eyeball, edge on the lid and remove awkward seals. The model should look as if the model is asleep at this point. Eyelids can also be placed so the model appears awake.
Roll out eight 1/4-inch thick strands of wax, approximately 6 inches long each. Use the canon of beauty guidelines to determine how big the ears and lips should be. (Hint: Lips are two eyes wide, ears are equal size to the nose). Mold two ears and lips into shape and place on face model. The shape of the ear will require several of the strands that have been rolled out. Finish by smoothing seals into the wax.
Apply finishing touches. Finish the face model by smoothing out all surfaces with fingers or smoothing tool. Apply specific beauty marks, scars, dimples or other characteristics that are unique to the person you are constructing. Additional wax may need to be applied on the chin and cheekbone areas if they are prominent features on the person. Complete the look by adding tone-appropriate makeup to bring a natural flesh color to the person’s skin.